Rocked by scandal, Portland Thorns aim to reclaim former glory under new ownership

ESPN
ESPN
2M ago
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The Portland Thorns, under new ownership, aim to restore their reputation after a scandal. This transition is crucial for rebuilding fan trust and sponsorships.
Rocked by scandal, Portland Thorns aim to reclaim former glory under new ownership
A What happened
The Portland Thorns have recently transitioned to new ownership under RAJ Sports, led by siblings Alex and Lisa Bhathal, following a scandal that significantly impacted the team's reputation. The previous owner, Merritt Paulson, faced backlash for his handling of abuse allegations within the organization. The new ownership aims to separate the Thorns from the previous management's controversies and has initiated a 'listening tour' to engage with fans and stakeholders. Despite a positive atmosphere at games, attendance has seen a decline, and the team is working to rebuild relationships with sponsors. The Thorns are also facing challenges on the field, with key players sidelined due to injuries and retirements, but they remain competitive in the league. The Bhathals are committed to establishing Portland as a hub for women's sports and are investing in new facilities to support this vision.

Key insights

  • 1

    New Ownership's Impact: The Bhathal family's leadership aims to restore trust and improve the team's image.

  • 2

    Attendance Challenges: Despite a positive atmosphere, attendance has declined since the scandal.

  • 3

    Infrastructure Investments: Plans for a new training facility are underway to support player development.

  • 4

    On-Field Adjustments: The team is adapting to player absences while striving for competitive performance.

Takeaways

The Portland Thorns are in a critical phase of rebuilding both their organizational reputation and competitive standing. With new ownership focused on transparency and community engagement, the team aims to restore fan trust and enhance their presence in women's sports.

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